Journal of Material Sciences & Engineering

Damage Characterization Using Thermography of Composite Plates Subjected to Low Velocity Impact Loads

Abstract

Khaled S Al-Athel, Ahmed S Alomari, Abul Fazal M Arif, Faleh A AlSulaiman and Muhammad Haris Malik

Composites are prone to delamination damage when impacted by low velocity projectiles because of the poor through-thickness strength. So, some of the problems with composites are their poor impact damage resistance, low post-impact mechanical properties and the difficulties to inspect the impacted area using nondestructive means. Damage characterization of composite materials requires a logical scientific methodology and a wide knowledge of polymeric materials and additionally a direct field experience. Effort is being taken to locate the most solid Non- Destructive Testing “NDT” strategy for characterization of damage in composite materials. In this work, impact response of composite laminates was experimentally studied with drop-tower to determine the energy absorption. Three types of composites were used: carbon fiber, glass fiber and mixed fiber composite laminates. In addition, these composites were characterized visually and using thermography to quantify their post impact damage. It was found with the 3D temperature distribution that there is a strong correlation between the measured temperatures at the impact region with the quantification of the damage using thermal imaging with advanced mid-wave camera.